ASPEN, CO – 1/13/2010 – Around 6:00p.m. the
Grand Junction Bomb Squad determined that a suspicious package delivered to the
Pitkin County Courthouse earlier today did not contain an explosive device.
After inspecting the package using a portable x-ray device the bomb squad
determined it did not contain dangerous materials. Further inspection revealed
that it contained only paper documents. In the interest of the public’s safety,
the package was moved to the Pitkin County Jail and secured awaiting arrival of
the Grand Junction Bomb Squad.

The package, which arrived at the courthouse
earlier today, was considered a potential threat after it was linked to a suspicious
phone call received at a Pitkin County Government Office on January 12, 2010.
The caller from Wednesday was determined to be the sender of the package,
therefore all necessary precautions were taken to protect the safety of
employees and visitors to Aspen and Pitkin County government buildings. The
name of the individual who sent the package will not be released, pending
further investigation.

The Grand Junction Bomb Squad, Aspen
Ambulance, Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, and Aspen Police Department presented
a coordinated effort in response to this situation. Consultation was also
received from the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI.